Intelligently controlled fluid systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus according to which a first valve is opened, or kept open, the first valve being part of a wellhead including a flow component above the first valve. The method may further include detecting a state of the first valve and, in response to detecting the state of the first valve, metering an amount of grease to the first valve. In addition, or instead, the method may further include opening, or keeping open, a second valve, the second valve being operably coupled to the wellhead and positioned above the flow component, and, after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves, detecting whether the second valve is open or closed, in response to detecting that the second valve is open, preventing the first valve from being closed, and in response to detecting that the second valve is closed, allowing the first valve to be closed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/367,108, filed Jul. 2, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The '108 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/855,749 (the '749 application), filed Apr. 22, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '749 application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/836,761, filed Apr. 22, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '749 application is also a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/248,648 (the '648 application), filed Jan. 15, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,724,682, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The '648 application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Application No. 62/617,443, filed Jan. 15, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '749 application is also a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/803,156 (“the '156 application”), filed Feb. 27, 2020, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,242,724, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The '156 application is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/248,633 (the “'633 application”), filed Jan. 15, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,584,552, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The '633 application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/617,438, filed Jan. 15, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '156 application is also a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/436,623 (the “'623 application”), filed Jun. 10, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,208,856, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The '623 application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/755,170, filed Nov. 2, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '156 Applications is also a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/100,741 (the “'741 application”), filed Aug. 10, 2018, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,689,938, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The '741 application claims the benefit of the filing date of, and priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/638,688, filed Mar. 5, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/638,681, filed Mar. 5, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/637,220, filed Mar. 1, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/637,215, filed Mar. 1, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/598,914, filed Dec. 14, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The '749 application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/801,911, filed Feb. 26, 2020, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,053,767, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present application is related generally to fluid systems and, more particularly, to intelligently controlled fluid systems used in oil and gas operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a zipper module, a fracturing (or “frac”) line, and a wellhead of the system of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a lower zipper valve of the zipper module of FIG. 2 , according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of an equalization valve of the system of FIG. 2 , said equalization valve being operably associated with the valve of FIG. 3 , according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a hydraulic manifold configured to actuate the valve of FIG. 3 , one or more other valves similar to said valve, the equalization valve of FIG. 4 , and one or more other valves similar to said equalization valve, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a diagrammatic illustration of one or more other wellhead tools or components of the wellhead of FIG. 2 , said one or more other wellhead tools being in a first operational state or configuration during the execution of FIG. 8 's method, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a diagrammatic illustration of the one or more other wellhead tools or components of the wellhead of FIG. 2 , said one or more other wellhead tools being in a second operational state or configuration during the execution of FIG. 8 's method, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7C is a diagrammatic illustration of the one or more other wellhead tools or components of the wellhead of FIG. 2 , said one or more other wellhead tools being in a third operational state or configuration during the execution of FIG. 8 's method, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of a system for lubricating process valves, the system including a delivery module and metering modules, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of the delivery module of FIG. 9 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of a first embodiment of one of the metering modules of FIG. 9 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of lubricator valves operably associated with at least some of the process valves of FIG. 9 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration of a computing node for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , in one or more embodiments, a system generally referred to by the reference numeral 100 is diagrammatically illustrated. The system includes a manifold assembly 105 in fluid communication with a blender 110, hydraulic fracturing pumps 115 a-f, and wellheads 120 _(1-N). The wellheads 120 _(1-N) serve as surface terminations for wellbores 125 _(1-N), respectively. The system 100 includes one or more fluid sources 130 in fluid communication with the blender 110. The wellheads 120 _(1-N) are in fluid communication with the manifold assembly 105 via, for example, zipper modules 135 _(1-N) and fracturing (or “frac”) lines 140 _(1-N). The zipper modules 135 _(1-N) are operably associated with a zipper manifold 145; for example, the zipper modules 135 _(1-N) may be interconnected with each other via the zipper manifold 145. In one or more embodiments, the zipper modules 135 _(1-N) are part of the zipper manifold 145 to which the manifold assembly 105 is operably coupled. In one or more embodiments, the zipper modules 135 _(1-N) are interconnected. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the zipper modules 135 _(1-N) is interconnected with at least one other of the zipper modules 135 _(1-N). The frac lines 140 _(1-N) couple the zipper modules 135 _(1-N), respectively, to the wellheads 120 _(1-N), respectively. In one or more embodiments, the frac lines 140 _(1-N) are part of the zipper manifold 145. The wellhead 120 ₁, the zipper module 135 ₁, and the frac line 140 ₁, in combination, form a frac leg 146 ₁. Similarly, respective sets of the wellheads 120 _(2-N), the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), and the frac line 140 _(2-N), in combination, form frac legs 146 _(2-N).

Referring still to FIG. 1 , a system for delivering and metering grease to the frac legs 146 _(1-N) is diagrammatically illustrated and generally referred to by the reference numeral 305. In one or more embodiments, the grease 305 is, included, or is part of, the grease system described in the '648 application. For example, the frac legs 146 _(1-N) may include process valves to which the grease system 100 delivers and meters grease, as will be described in more detail below. In one or more embodiments, such process valves are gate valves. The grease system 305 includes a delivery module 315 and metering modules 320 _(1-N). The metering modules 320 _(1-N) are each operably associated with, and adapted to be in communication with, the delivery module 315. Likewise, the process valves of the frac legs 146 _(1-N) are operably associated with, and adapted to be in communication with, the metering modules 320 _(1-N), respectively. In operation, to grease the process valves of the frac legs 146 _(1-N), the metering modules 320 _(1-N) are adapted to force grease from the delivery module 315 into the respective process valves, as will be described in more detail below. In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 1 , a controller 180 is adapted to send control signals to the grease system 305 and the frac legs 146 _(1-N), as will be described in more detail below. A user interface 185 is operably coupled to the controller 180 to enable a user to monitor and control the grease system 305 and the frac legs 146 _(1-N), as will be described in more detail below.

In one or more embodiments, the system 100 and/or the grease system 305 are part of a hydraulic fracturing system, which may be used to facilitate oil and gas exploration and production operations. For example, the system 100 and/or the grease system 305 may be adapted to perform a hydraulic fracturing operation on one or more of the wellbores 125 _(1-N). The embodiments provided herein are not, however, limited to a hydraulic fracturing system, as the system 100 may be used with, or adapted to, a mud pump system, a well treatment system, other pumping systems, one or more systems at the wellheads 120 _(1-N), one or more systems upstream of the wellheads 120 _(1-N), one or more systems downstream of the wellheads 120 _(1-N), and/or one or more other systems associated with the wellheads 120 _(1-N).

Referring to FIG. 2 , with continuing reference to FIG. 1 , the zipper module 135 ₁, the frac line 140 ₁, and the wellhead 120 ₁ are diagrammatically illustrated in detail. In one or more embodiments, the zipper module 135 ₁ includes a lower zipper valve 150 ₁, an upper zipper valve 150 ₂, and a fluid connector 155. The lower zipper valve 150 ₁ is operably coupled to the zipper manifold 145. The upper zipper valve 150 ₂ is operably coupled to the lower zipper valve 150 ₁ opposite the zipper manifold 145. The fluid connector 155 is operably coupled to the upper zipper valve 150 ₂ opposite the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. An equalization valve 160 ₁ is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. A pressure sensor 165 ₁ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. A pressure sensor 165 ₂ is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. Similarly, an equalization valve 160 ₂ is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the upper zipper valve 150 ₂. A pressure sensor such as, for example, the pressure sensor 165 ₂ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the upper zipper valve 150 ₂. A pressure sensor 165 ₃ is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the upper zipper valve 150 ₂.

In one or more embodiments, the frac line 140 ₁ includes frac line valves 150 ₃ and 150 ₄. The frac line valve 150 ₃ is operably coupled to the fluid connector 155 of the zipper module 135 ₁. The frac line valve 150 ₄ is operably coupled to the frac line valve 150 ₃ opposite the fluid connector 155. The frac line 140 ₁ is operably coupled between the zipper module 135 ₁ and the wellhead 120 ₁. An equalization valve 160 ₃ is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the frac line valve 150 ₃. A pressure sensor such as, for example, the pressure sensor 165 ₃ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the frac line valve 150 ₃. A pressure sensor 165 ₄ is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the frac line valve 150 ₃. Similarly, an equalization valve 160 ₄ is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the frac line valve 150 ₄. A pressure sensor such as, for example, the pressure sensor 165 ₄ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the frac line valve 150 ₄. A pressure sensor 165 ₅ is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the frac line valve 150 ₄.

In one or more embodiments, the wellhead 120 ₁ includes a frac tree 170, a swab valve 150 ₅, and upper master valve 150 ₆, and a lower master valve 150 _(N). An inlet side of the lower master valve 150 _(N) is in fluid communication with the wellbore 125 ₁. The upper master valve 150 ₆ is operably coupled to the lower master valve 150 _(N) opposite the wellbore 125 ₁. The swab valve 150 ₅ is operably coupled to the upper master valve 150 ₆ opposite the lower master valve 150 _(N). The frac tree 170 is operably coupled to the swab valve 150 ₅ opposite the upper master valve 150 ₆. Alternatively, the frac tree 170 may be operably coupled to the upper master valve 150 ₆ opposite the lower master valve 150 _(N) and the swab valve 150 ₅ may be operably coupled to the frac tree 170 opposite the upper master valve 150 ₆. The frac line 140 ₁ is operably coupled, via the frac tree 170, to the wellhead 120 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the frac tree 170 is or includes a goat head; in at least one such embodiment, the frac line 140 ₁ and one or more additional frac lines substantially similar to the frac line 140 ₁ are operably coupled between the zipper module 135 ₁ and the goat head so that fluid is communicable from the zipper module 135 ₁ to the wellhead 120 ₁ through the frac line 140 ₁ and the one or more additional frac lines.

In addition, the wellhead 120 ₁ may include one or more other wellhead tools or components 175 such as, for example: one or more wing valves; a tree cap; a tree cap valve; the valve apparatus described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/487,785 (the “'785 application”), filed Apr. 14, 2017, and published Oct. 19, 2017 as U.S. Publication No. 2017/0298708, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; the valve apparatus described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/721,203 (the “'203 application”), filed Dec. 19, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; the object launching apparatus described in the '633 application; or any combination thereof. One or more embodiments of the one or more other wellhead tools or components 175 are described in further detail below. Although shown as being operably coupled to the frac tree 170 opposite the swab valve 150 ₅, the one or more other wellhead tools or components 175 may instead be positioned at any location in the wellhead 120 ₁ such as, for example, between the wellbore 125 ₁ and the lower master valve 150 _(N), between the lower master valve 150 _(N) and the upper master valve 150 ₆, between the upper master valve 150 ₆ and the swab valve 150 ₅, between the upper master valve 150 ₆ and the frac tree 170, between the frac tree 170 and the swab valve 150 ₅, or any combination thereof.

An equalization valve 160 ₅ is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the swab valve 150 ₅. A pressure sensor such as, for example, the pressure sensor 165 ₅ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the swab valve 150 ₅. A pressure sensor 165 ₆ is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the swab valve 150 ₅. Similarly, an equalization valve 160 ₆ is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the upper master valve 150 ₆. A pressure sensor such as, for example, the pressure sensor 165 ₆ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the upper master valve 150 ₆. A pressure sensor 165 ₇ is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the upper master valve 150 ₆. Similarly, an equalization valve 160 _(N) is in fluid communication with inlet and outlet sides of the lower master valve 150 _(N). A pressure sensor such as, for example, the pressure sensor 165 ₇ is in fluid communication with the inlet side of the lower master valve 150 _(N). A pressure sensor 165 _(N) is in fluid communication with the outlet side of the lower master valve 150 _(N).

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the pressure sensors 165 _(1-N) includes a bladder or other mechanical buffer to protect the pressure sensor(s) 165 _(1-N) from erosions/washout and/or to prevent the pressure sensor(s) 165 _(1-N) from plugging off and trapping pressure; in such embodiments, the bladder of other mechanical buffer prevents, or at least reduces, inaccurate readings of line pressure by the pressure sensor(s) 165 _(1-N) due to sand or grease plugging process port(s) of the pressure sensor(s) 165 _(1-N).

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the equalization valves 160 _(1-N) is designed to be resistant to washout and/or abrasive damage to the valve member(s) 215 _(1-N) (shown in FIG. 4 ); accordingly, the equalization valves 160 _(1-N) may incorporate internal materials such as, for example, Stellite, engineered ceramic, Zirconia, or the like to enhance durability and resistance to washout/erosion and to prevent, or at least reduce, sealing issues.

Although the terms “inlet” and “outlet” used herein may imply a direction of fluid flow from the zipper manifold 145 to the zipper module 135 ₁, from the zipper module 135 ₁ to the frac line 140 ₁, from the frac line 140 ₁ to the wellhead 120 ₁, and/or from the wellhead 120 ₁ to the wellbore 125 ₁, it should be understood that, depending on relative fluid pressures within the system 100, fluid may instead flow in the opposite direction, that is, from the wellbore 125 ₁ to the wellhead 120 ₁, from the wellhead 120 ₁ to the frac line 140 ₁, from the frac line 140 ₁ to the zipper module 135 ₁, and/or from the zipper module to the zipper manifold 145. Accordingly, the term “inlet” may refer to an “outlet” and the term “outlet” may refer to an “inlet.”

The controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, the equalization valve 160 ₁, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the equalization valve 160 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the equalization valve 160 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the equalization valve 160 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the equalization valve 160 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, the equalization valve 160 ₆, the lower master valve 150 _(N), and the equalization valve 160 _(N), as will be described in more detail below. Further, the controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to monitor, one or more of the pressure sensors 165 _(1-N), that is, the controller 180 is adapted to receive signal(s) from one or more of the pressure sensors 165 _(1-N), as will be described in more detail below. Further still, the controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the one or more other wellhead tools or components 175, as will be described in further detail below. The user interface 185 is operably coupled to the controller 180 to enable a user to monitor and control the zipper module 135 ₁, the frac line 140 ₁, and the wellhead 120 ₁, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 3 , with continuing reference to FIG. 2 , the lower zipper valve 150 ₁ is diagrammatically illustrated in detail. In one or more embodiments, the lower zipper valve 150 ₁ includes a valve body 190 ₁ and a valve member 195 ₁. The valve member 195 ₁ extends within the valve body 190 ₁ and is actuable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the valve member 195 ₁ permits fluid flow through the valve body 190 ₁ from a high-pressure side (i.e., one of the inlet side or the outlet side of the of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁) to a low-pressure side (i.e., the other of the inlet side or the outlet side of the of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁) of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, as shown in FIG. 3 . In the closed configuration, the valve member 195 ₁ prevents, or at least partially restricts, fluid flow through the valve body 190 ₁ from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. An actuator 200 ₁ is operably coupled to the valve member 195 ₁ to actuate the valve member 195 ₁ within the valve body 190 ₁ between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the actuator 200 ₁. In addition to, or instead of, the actuator 200 ₁ being controlled by the controller 180, the actuator 200 ₁ may be or include a manual actuator that is manually controllable/actuable by an operator (e.g., via hydraulic, electric over hydraulic, or other mechanisms). A position sensor 205 ₁ is operably coupled to the actuator 200 ₁ to detect a position and/or an orientation of the valve member 195 ₁ relative to the valve body 190 ₁. In addition, or instead, the position sensor 205 ₁ may be operably coupled to the valve member 195 ₁ and/or the valve body 190 ₁. The controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to monitor, the position sensor 205 ₁, that is, the controller 180 is adapted to receive signal(s) from the position sensor 205 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the feedback provided by the position sensor 205 ₁ is analog (i.e., continuous 0% to 100% open). In addition, or instead, the position sensor 205 ₁ may be or include a switch (e.g., having minimum resolutions of 0%, 50%, and 100% open).

In one or more embodiments, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and the lower master valve 150 _(N) are substantially similar to, and operate in substantially the same manner as, the lower zipper valve 150 ₁; therefore, the structure and operation of the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and the lower master valve 150 _(N) will not be described in more detail. Moreover, the various components of each of the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and the lower master valve 150 _(N) may be identified hereinbelow using the same reference numerals as those associated with corresponding components of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁ (as set forth above and shown in FIG. 3 ), except that, rather than the subscript “1” used to identify the components of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, subscripts “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, and “N” are used to identify the corresponding components of the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and the lower master valve 150 _(N), respectively.

Referring to FIG. 4 , with continuing reference to FIG. 2 , the equalization valve 160 ₁ is diagrammatically illustrated in detail. As discussed above, the equalization valve 160 ₁ is in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet sides of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the equalization valve 160 ₁ includes a valve body 210 ₁ and a valve member 215 ₁. The valve member 215 ₁ extends within the valve body 210 ₁ and is actuable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the valve member 215 ₁ permits fluid flow through the valve body 210 ₁ from a high-pressure side (i.e., one of the inlet side or the outlet side of the of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁) to a low-pressure side (i.e., the other of the inlet side or the outlet side of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁) of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, as shown in FIG. 4 . In the closed configuration, the valve member 215 ₁ prevents, or at least partially restricts, fluid flow through the valve body 210 ₁ from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁. An actuator 220 ₁ is operably coupled to the valve member 215 ₁ to actuate the valve member 215 ₁ within the valve body 210 ₁ between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the actuator 220 ₁. In addition to, or instead of, the actuator 220 ₁ being controlled by the controller 180, the actuator 220 ₁ may be or include a manual actuator that is manually controllable/actuable by an operator (e.g., via hydraulic, electric over hydraulic, or other mechanisms). A position sensor 225 ₁ is operably coupled to the actuator 220 ₁ to detect a position and/or an orientation of the valve member 215 ₁ relative to the valve body 210 ₁. In addition, or instead, the position sensor 225 ₁ may be operably coupled to the valve member 215 ₁ and/or the valve body 210 ₁. The controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to monitor, the position sensor 225 ₁, that is, the controller 180 is adapted to receive signal(s) from the position sensor 225 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the feedback provided by the position sensor 225 ₁ is analog (i.e., continuous 0% to 100% open). In addition, or instead, the position sensor 225 ₁ may be or include a switch (e.g., having minimum resolutions of 0%, 50%, and 100% open).

In one or more embodiments, the equalization valves 160 _(2-N) are substantially similar to, and operate in substantially the same manner as, the equalization valve 160 ₁; therefore, the structure and operation of the equalization valves 160 _(2-N) will not be described in more detail. Moreover, the various components of each of the equalization valves 160 _(2-N) may be identified hereinbelow using the same reference numerals as those associated with corresponding components of the equalization valve 160 ₁ (as set forth above and shown in FIG. 4 ), except that, rather than the subscript “1” used to identify the components of the equalization valve 160 ₁, subscripts “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, and “N” are used to identify the corresponding components of the equalization valves 160 _(2-N), respectively.

Referring to FIG. 5 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 2-4 , a hydraulic manifold 230 operably associated with the actuators 200 _(1-N) and 220 _(1-N) is illustrated in detail. More particularly, the hydraulic manifold 230 is operably coupled to the actuators 200 _(1-N) of the valves 150 _(1-N), respectively, and to the actuators 220 _(1-N) of the equalization valves 160 ₁_N, respectively. The hydraulic manifold 230 facilitates actuation of the actuators 200 _(1-N) and 220 _(1-N). A hydraulic power unit (or “HPU”) 235 is operably coupled to the hydraulic manifold 230 and adapted to provide hydraulic fluid to, and to receive hydraulic fluid from, the hydraulic manifold 230. In one or more embodiments, to facilitate the communication of hydraulic fluid between the HPU 235 and the hydraulic manifold 230, the HPU 235 includes a reservoir, a hydraulic pump, and a motor. The controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the hydraulic manifold 230. Specifically, the controller 180 is adapted to actuate, via the hydraulic manifold 230, one or more of the actuators 200 _(1-N) and/or 220 _(1-N) based at least partially on data/readings received from the pressure sensors 165 _(1-N), the position sensors 205 _(1-N), and/or the position sensors 225 _(1-N), as will be described in more detail below. The user interface 185 is operably coupled to the controller 180 and enables a user to modify one or more parameters associated with the controller 180's actuation of the one or more of the actuators 200 _(1-N) and/or 220 _(1-N) via the hydraulic manifold 230. In one or more embodiments, the user interface 185 enables a user to take manual control of the controller 180's actuation of the one or more of the actuators 200 _(1-N) and/or 220 _(1-N). In one or more embodiments, the controller 180 may also be operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the HPU 235.

In one or more embodiments, the system 100 is used to perform a hydraulic fracturing operation. Prior to said hydraulic fracturing operation: the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and the lower master valve 150 _(N) may be open; the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, and the frac line valve 150 ₄ may be closed; and pressure from the wellbore 125 ₁ may be exerted on the frac line valve 150 ₄. In such instances, before initiating the hydraulic fracturing operation, the wellbore pressure exerted on the frac line valve 150 ₄ must be equalized with a pressure of the pumped hydraulic fracturing fluid, that is, the pressure of the hydraulic fracturing fluid pumped into the manifold assembly 105 by the pumps 115 a-f (shown in FIG. 1 ).

Referring to FIG. 6 , a method of equalizing the wellbore pressure exerted on the frac line valve 150 ₄ with the pressure of the pumped hydraulic fracturing fluid is generally referred to by the reference numeral 240 and includes: at a step 245, determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₄ and 165 ₅ is below a first predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the first predetermined threshold, at a step 250, opening the equalization valve 160 ₄ until said difference is below the first predetermined threshold; if said difference is below the first predetermined threshold, at a step 255, opening the frac line valve 150 ₄; at a step 260, determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₃ and 165 ₄ is below a second predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the second predetermined threshold, at a step 265, opening the equalization valve 160 ₃ until said difference is below the second predetermined threshold; if said difference is below the second predetermined threshold, at a step 270, opening the frac line valve 150 ₃; at a step 275, determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₂ and 165 ₃ is below a third predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the third predetermined threshold, at a step 280, opening the equalization valve 160 ₂ until said difference is below the third predetermined threshold; if said difference is below the third predetermined threshold, at a step 285, opening the upper zipper valve 150 ₂; at a step 290, determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₁ and 165 ₂ is below a fourth predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the fourth predetermined threshold, at a step 295, opening the equalization valve 160 ₁ until said difference is below the fourth predetermined threshold; and, if said difference is below the fourth predetermined threshold, at a step 300, opening the lower zipper valve 150 ₁.

In one or more embodiments of the method 240, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth predetermined thresholds is substantially identical to at least one other of the first, second, third, and fourth thresholds. In other embodiments of the method 240, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth predetermined thresholds is different from at least one other of the first, second, third, and fourth predetermined thresholds. In one or more embodiments, the first, second, third, and/or fourth thresholds is/are user defined.

In one or more embodiments, the step(s) 245, 260, 275, and/or 290 may be referred to as “intelligent lockout” steps that disallow a requested actuation of the corresponding valve(s) 160 ₁₋₄ due to excessive differential pressure(s) thereacross, as measured by corresponding pair(s) of the pressure sensors 165 ₁₋₅. In addition to, or instead of, performing the “intelligent lockout” steps of the method 240, the system 100 may include one or more mechanical interlocks designed to utilize fluid pressure from the inlet and outlet sides of a particular to-be-actuated valve 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4) to block hydraulic flow (i.e., preventing said 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4) valve from opening) unless the pressure differential between said inlet and outlet sides is balanced.

In one or more embodiments, the step(s) 245, 260, 275, and/or 290 may be implemented via software stored on the controller 180 (or elsewhere) so that, when an operator desires to open one or more of the valves 160 ₁₋₄, the software only allows such opening of the valve(s) 160 ₁₋₄ if the differential pressure(s) across the valve(s) 160 ₁₋₄ are less than the corresponding predetermined threshold(s) (i.e., the first, second, third, and/or fourth thresholds). In addition, or instead, such software may include combinational logic requiring various other condition(s) to be met prior to actuation of a particular to-be-actuated valve 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4), such as, for example: the pressure in the wellbore 125 _(1-N) with which the to-be-actuated valve 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4) is associated must be below a predetermined threshold, above a predetermined threshold, or within a predetermined range; the pressure in one or more of the other wellbores 125 _(1-N) in the system 100 must be below a predetermined threshold, above a predetermined threshold, or within a predetermined range; the state of the to-be-actuated valve 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4) must be open, closed, or transitioning; the state(s) of the one or more other valves 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4) in the system 100 must be open, closed, or transitioning (e.g., the other valve(s) 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4) must be opened/closed/transitioning prior to actuation of the to-be-actuated valve 160 _(1, 2, 3, or 4)); one or more other conditions must be met; or any combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 245, step 255, step 260, step 270, step 275, step 285, step 290, and step 300.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 245, step 255, step 260, step 270, step 290, step 300, step 275, and step 285.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 245, step 255, step 275, step 285, step 260, step 270, step 290, and step 300.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 245, step 255, step 275, step 285, step 290, step 300, step 260, and step 270.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 245, step 255, step 290, step 300, step 260, step 270, step 275, and step 285.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 245, step 255, step 290, step 300, step 275, step 285, step 260, and step 270.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 260, step 270, step 245, step 255, step 275, step 285, step 290, and step 300.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 260, step 270, step 245, step 255, step 290, step 300, step 275, and step 285.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 260, step 270, step 275, step 285, step 245, step 255, step 290, and step 300.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 260, step 270, step 275, step 285, step 290, step 300, step 245, and step 255.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 260, step 270, step 290, step 300, step 245, step 255, step 275, and step 285.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 260, step 270, step 290, step 300, step 275, step 285, step 245, and step 255.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 275, step 285, step 245, step 255, step 260, step 270, step 290, and step 300.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 275, step 285, step 245, step 255, step 290, step 300, step 260, and step 270.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 275, step 285, step 260, step 270, step 245, step 255, step 290, and step 300.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 275, step 285, step 260, step 270, step 290, step 300, step 245, and step 255.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 275, step 285, step 290, step 300, step 245, step 255, step 260, and step 270.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 275, step 285, step 290, step 300, step 260, step 270, step 245, and step 255.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 290, step 300, step 245, step 255, step 260, step 270, step 275, and step 285.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 290, step 300, step 245, step 255, step 275, step 285, step 260, and step 270.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 290, step 300, step 260, step 270, step 245, step 255, step 275, and step 285.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 290, step 300, step 260, step 270, step 275, step 285, step 245, and step 255.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 290, step 300, step 275, step 285, step 245, step 255, step 260, and step 270.

In one or more embodiments, certain steps of the method 240 are performed in the following sequential order: step 290, step 300, step 275, step 285, step 260, step 270, step 245, and step 255.

In one or more embodiments, prior to said hydraulic fracturing operation: the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and the lower master valve 150 _(N) may be closed; and pressure from the wellbore 125 ₁ may be exerted on the lower master valve 150 _(N). In such instances, in addition to the steps 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, and 300, the method 240 may further include: an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 245, 260, 275, and 290) of determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₇ and 165 _(N) is below a fifth predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the fifth predetermined threshold, an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 250, 265, 280, and 295) of opening the equalization valve 160 _(N) until said difference is below the fifth predetermined threshold; if said difference is below the first predetermined threshold, an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 255, 270, 285, and 300) of opening the lower master valve 150 _(N); an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 245, 260, 275, and 290) of determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₆ and 165 ₇ is below a sixth predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the sixth predetermined threshold, an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 250, 265, 280, and 295) of opening the equalization valve 160 ₆ until said difference is below the sixth predetermined threshold; if said difference is below the sixth predetermined threshold, an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 255, 270, 285, and 300) of opening the upper master valve 150 ₆; an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 245, 260, 275, and 290) of determining, using the controller 180, if a difference between the pressures detected by pressure sensors 165 ₅ and 165 ₆ is below a seventh predetermined threshold; if said difference is above the seventh predetermined threshold, an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 250, 265, 280, and 295) of opening the equalization valve 160 ₅ until said difference is below the seventh predetermined threshold; and if said difference is below the seventh predetermined threshold, an additional step (substantially similar to the steps 255, 270, 285, and 300) of opening the swab valve 150 ₅. Similar to the sequential order in which the steps 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, and 300 may be performed, the above-described additional steps of the method 240 may be performed in any sequential order before, during, or after the steps 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, and/or 300 are performed.

In one or more embodiments of the method 240, at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh predetermined thresholds is substantially identical to at least one other of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh thresholds. In other embodiments of the method 240, at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh predetermined thresholds is different from at least one other of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh predetermined thresholds. In one or more embodiments, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and/or seventh thresholds is/are user defined.

In various embodiments of the method 240, prior to said hydraulic fracturing operation, each of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, and/or the lower master valve 150 _(N) may be open, closed, or transitioning; accordingly, one or more of the steps 245, 250, 255, 260, 265, 270, 275, 280, 285, 290, 295, 300, and/or one or more of the other above-described steps of the method 240 may be omitted as needed so that execution of the method 240 equalizes the wellbore pressure(s) with the pressure of the pumped hydraulic fracturing fluid.

In one or more embodiments, the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N) are substantially similar to, and operate in substantially the same manner as, the zipper module 135 ₁, the frac line 140 ₁, and the wellhead 120 ₁; therefore, the structure and operation of the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N) will not be described in more detail. Moreover, the various components of each of the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N) may be identified hereinbelow using the same reference numerals as those associated with corresponding components of the zipper module 135 ₁, the frac line 140 ₁, and the wellhead 120 ₁ (as set forth above and shown in FIGS. 2-4 ).

In one or more embodiments, the controller 180 is operably coupled to, and adapted to control, various components of the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N)(i.e., the frac legs 146 _(2-N)) in a substantially similar manner as the manner in which the controller 180 is operably coupled to the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, the equalization valve 160 ₁, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the equalization valve 160 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the equalization valve 160 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the equalization valve 160 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the equalization valve 160 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, the equalization valve 160 ₆, the lower master valve 150 _(N), and the equalization valve 160 _(N). As a result, in addition to monitoring and controlling the zipper module 135 ₁, the frac line 140 ₁, and the wellhead 120 ₁ (i.e., the frac leg 146 ₁), the user interface 185 enables a user to monitor and control the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N)(i.e., the frac legs 146 _(2-N)). Alternatively, one or more other controllers substantially similar to the controller 180 may be operably coupled to, and adapted to control, the various components of the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N). In such instances, the user interface 185 or one or more other user interfaces substantially similar to the user interface 185 may be operably coupled to the one or more other controllers to enable a user to monitor and control the zipper modules 135 _(2-N), the frac lines 140 _(2-N), and the wellheads 120 _(2-N).

In one or more embodiments, the operation of the system 100 and/or the execution of the method 240 allows an operator to remotely control one or more of the valves 150 ₁₋₂ of the zipper modules 135 _(1-N), one or more of the valves 150 ₃₋₄ of the frac lines 140 _(1-N), and/or one or more of the valves 150 ₅₋₇ of the wellheads 120 _(1-N) to conduct various wellbore operations on each of the wellbores 125 _(1-N). As a result, the operation of the system 100 and/or the execution of the method 240 eliminates the need for personnel to enter the “red zone” (i.e., a predetermined area in the vicinity of the valve(s) 150 _(1-N) deemed to be hazardous, unsafe, or less safe) in order to actuate the valve(s) 150 _(1-N). As described above, during such remote control of the valve(s) 150 _(1-N), the corresponding position sensor(s) 205 _(1-N) send signal(s) to the controller 180 so that the controller can verify that the valve(s) 150 _(1-N) are in the correct state to perform the desired wellbore operation (e.g., to hydraulically fracture one or more of the wellbores 125 _(1-N), to perform wireline operations, to grease the valve(s) 150 _(1-N), to perform “flow back” on one or more of the wellbores 125 _(1-N), to perform coiled tubing operations, to perform another operation, or any combination thereof). In one or more embodiments, the operation of the system 100 and/or the execution of the method 240 provides feedback to an operator so that the operator can identify leaks in the zipper manifold 145, the zipper modules 135 _(1-N), the frac lines 140 _(1-N), the wellheads 120 _(1-N), or elsewhere in the system 100 by monitoring the pressure sensor(s) 165 _(1-N) and/or the position sensor(s) 205 _(1-N) and/or 225 _(1-N).

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, in one or more embodiments, the one or more other wellhead tools or components 175 introduced in connection with FIG. 2 include a valve 301 a, a latch 301 b, a launcher 301 c, and a lubricator 301 d. For example, the one or more other wellhead tools or components 175 may be, include, or be part of the system described in the '156 application. The valve 301 a is operably coupled to the wellhead 120 ₁, which wellhead 120 ₁ is the surface termination of the wellbore 125 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the valve 301 a is, includes, or is part of the valve apparatus described in the '785 application, the '203 application, or both. The valve 301 a is controlled by the controller 180. As discussed above, the user interface 185 communicates signals to, and receives signals from, the controller 180. The latch 301 b is operably coupled to the valve 301 a, opposite the wellhead 120 ₁. The launcher 301 c is operably coupled to the latch 301 b, opposite the valve 301 a. In one or more embodiments, the launcher 301 c is, includes, or is part of the launcher described in the '156 application. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , in one or more embodiments, a blowout preventer (BOP) may be operably coupled to the launcher 301 c, opposite the latch 301 b.

The lubricator 301 d is extendable through the launcher 301 c (and the BOP attached thereto in certain embodiments) and, when so extended, attachable to the latch 301 b. More particularly, the controller 180 communicates signals to a hydraulic manifold, which signals cause the hydraulic manifold to communicate hydraulic fluid to, and/or receive hydraulic fluid from, the latch 301 b to thereby operate the latch 301 b. Subsequently, the lubricator 301 d is detachable from the latch 301 b in a similar manner and, when so detached, retractable from the launcher 301 c. In one or more embodiments, the latch 301 b, the lubricator 301 d, and the process of attaching/detaching the lubricator 301 d to/from the latch 301 b are described in the '623 application, the '741 application, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 8 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, in one or more embodiments, a method of launching an object into the wellbore 125 ₁ is generally referred to by the reference numeral 302. In one or more embodiments, the method 302 is executed using the one or more other wellhead tools or components 175. In at least one such instance, the launcher 301 c is connected to the latch 301 b. Although not shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, in one or more embodiments, a blowout preventer (BOP) may be operably coupled to the launcher 301 c, opposite the latch 301 b. The method 302 includes, at a step 303 a, extending the lubricator 301 d through a central passageway of the launcher 301 c. More particularly, the lubricator 301 d is displaced in a direction 304 a (as shown in FIG. 7A), through the central passageway of the launcher 301 c (and the BOP attached thereto in certain embodiments), and into a central passageway of the latch 301 b (as shown in FIG. 7B). At a step 303 b, the lubricator 301 d is attached to the latch 301 b. In one or more embodiments, the step 303 b is executed after the step 303 a, and while the lubricator 301 d extends through the central passageway of the launcher 301 c. More particularly, the step 303 b is executable when the lubricator 301 d extends through the central passageway of the launcher and into the central passageway of the latch 301 b (as shown in FIG. 7B). In one or more embodiments, the latch 301 b, the lubricator 301 d, and the process of attaching the lubricator 301 d to the latch 301 b are described in the '623 application, the '741 application, or a combination thereof.

At a step 303 c, a first wellbore operation (e.g., a perforating operation) is performed while the lubricator 301 d is attached to the latch 301 b. In one or more embodiments, the step 303 c is executable by deploying a downhole tool (not shown; e.g., a plug and perforating guns) from the lubricator 301 d on a conveyance string (e.g., wireline) while the lubricator 301 d is attached to the latch 301 b. More particularly, the downhole tool passes through the central passageway of the latch 301 b, through a central passageway of the valve 301 a, through a central passageway of the wellhead 120 ₁, and into the wellbore 125 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the valve 301 a and the process of passing the downhole tool through the valve 301 a and into the wellbore 125 ₁ are described in the '785 application, the '203 application, or both.

For example, the controller 180 may receive a signal from a sensor indicating that the valve 301 a is open, thereby determining that wireline is in the wellbore 125 ₁. After the controller 180 receives such a signal, the controller 180 may then “lock-out” actuation of one or more of the valves 150 _(1-N) (e.g., the valves 150 _(5-N) of the wellhead 120 ₁) until the controller 180 receives another signal (or ceases to receive the original signal) from the sensor indicating that the valve 301 a is closed, thereby determining that the wireline is out of the wellbore 125 ₁. Such a process helps to prevent users from inadvertently cutting the wireline via actuation of one or more of the valves 150 _(1-N), which is a common failure. A manual override of this process may be utilized just in case a user needs to intentionally cut the wireline for emergency purposes.

In those embodiments in which the downhole tool includes the plug and perforating guns, the plug is set, the perforating guns are fired, and the spent perforating guns are retrieved from the wellbore 125 ₁ and back into the lubricator 301 d to complete execution of the step 303 c. At a step 303 d, the lubricator 301 d is detached from the latch 301 b. In one or more embodiments, the step 303 d is executed after the first wellbore operation is performed at the step 303 c (e.g., after the spent perforating guns are retrieved from the wellbore 125 ₁ and back into the lubricator 301 d). In one or more embodiments, the latch 301 b, the lubricator 301 d, and the process of detaching the lubricator 301 d from the latch 301 b are described in the '623 application, the '741 application, or a combination thereof.

At a step 303 e, the lubricator 301 d is retracted from the central passageway of the launcher 301 c. In one or more embodiments, the step 303 e is executed after the step 303 d. More particularly, the lubricator 301 d is displaced in a direction 304 b (as shown in FIG. 7C) to execute the step 303 e. At a step 303 f, an object is launched from the launcher 301 c so that the object enters the wellbore 125 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the step 303 f is executed after the step 303 e. The execution of the step 303 f causes the object to pass through the valve 301 a before entering the wellbore 125 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the valve 301 a and the process of passing the object therethrough is described in the '785 application, the '203 application, or both. Finally, at a step 303 g, a second wellbore operation (e.g., a hydraulic fracturing operation) is performed. In one or more embodiments, the step 303 g is executed after the step 303 f. In those embodiments in which the second wellbore operation is a hydraulic fracturing operation, a hydraulic fracturing fluid is pumped into the wellbore 125 ₁ via the frac leg 146 ₁ to facilitate execution of the step 303 g.

Referring to FIG. 9 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one or more embodiments, the grease system 305 is used to deliver and meter grease to process valves 310 _(1-N) used in oil and gas operations. For example, the process valves 310 _(1-N) to which the grease system 305 delivers and meters grease may be, include, or be part of the lower zipper valve 150 ₁, the equalization valve 160 ₁, the upper zipper valve 150 ₂, the equalization valve 160 ₂, the frac line valve 150 ₃, the equalization valve 160 ₃, the frac line valve 150 ₄, the equalization valve 160 ₄, the swab valve 150 ₅, the equalization valve 160 ₅, the upper master valve 150 ₆, the equalization valve 160 ₆, the lower master valve 150 _(N), the equalization valve 160 _(N), or any combination thereof. As discussed above, the grease system 305 includes the delivery module 315 and the metering modules 320 _(1-N). The metering modules 320 _(1-N) are each operably associated with, and adapted to be in communication with, the delivery module 315. Likewise, the process valves 310 _(1-N) are operably associated with, and adapted to be in communication with, the metering modules 320 _(1-N), respectively. In operation, to grease the process valves 310 _(1-N), the metering modules 320 _(1-N) are adapted to force grease from the delivery module 315 into the respective process valves 310 _(1-N).

Referring to FIG. 10 with continuing reference to FIG. 9 , in one or more embodiments, the delivery module 315 includes a fluid power source 325 and a grease container 330. The fluid power source 325 stores a power fluid for forcing grease from the grease container 330 into the process valves 310 _(1-N), as will be described in more detail below. A fluid transport device 335 is operably associated with the fluid power source 325. The fluid transport device 335 can be a pump or a compressor, depending on the nature of the power fluid being used. In addition, or instead, the fluid transport device 335 may be or include a hydraulic power unit (“HPU”) accumulator. In any case, the fluid transport device 335 is adapted to transport the power fluid from the fluid power source 325 to the metering modules 320 _(1-N). A pressure sensor 340 is operably associated with the fluid transport device 335. The pressure sensor 340 is adapted to detect the pressure of the power fluid discharged from the fluid transport device 335. In addition to providing the power fluid transported to the metering modules 320 _(1-N), the fluid power source 325 is also adapted to receive recycled power fluid from the metering modules 320 _(1-N).

The grease container 330 stores grease. A grease measuring device 345 such as, for example, a load cell (e.g., a scale) is operably associated with the grease container 330. The grease measuring device 345 may be adapted to measure a mass of the grease container 330 to keep track of the amount of grease that has been used and how much is remaining. However, although described herein as a load cell, the grease measuring device 345 may be any suitable device capable of monitoring the amount of grease in the grease container 330 such as, for example, a ranging device, a linear position transducer, an optical/laser device, or the like that measures a level of the grease within the grease container 330. A fluid transport device 350 is operably associated with the grease container 330. The fluid transport device 350 can be a pump or a compressor, depending on the nature of the power fluid being used. In addition, or instead, the fluid transport device 350 may be or include a hydraulic power unit (“HPU”) accumulator. In any case, the fluid transport device 350 is adapted to transport grease from the grease container 330 to the metering modules 320 _(1-N). A pressure sensor 355 is operably associated with the fluid transport device 350. The pressure sensor 355 is adapted to detect the pressure of the grease discharged from the fluid transport device 350. In addition to providing the grease transported to the metering modules 320 _(1-N), the grease container 330 is also adapted to receive recycled grease from the metering modules 320 _(1-N). To this end, a return valve 360 is operably associated with the grease container 330 and adapted to selectively permit communication of the recycled grease from the metering modules 320 _(1-N) to the grease container 330.

In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 10 , the grease system 305 also includes the controller 180. The controller 180 is adapted to send control signals to the fluid transport devices 335 and 350 and the return valve 360. In addition, the controller 180 may receive operating speed data from the fluid transport devices 335 and 350 and/or valve position data from the return valve 360. The controller 180 is also adapted to receive data/readings from the pressure sensors 340 and 355 (e.g., pressure data) and the grease measuring device 345 (e.g., grease measurement data).

In one or more embodiments, the metering modules 320 _(1-N) are substantially identical to each other and, therefore, in connection with FIG. 11 , only the metering module 320 ₁ will be described in detail below; however, the description below also applies to the metering modules 320 _(2-N). Referring to FIG. 11 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , in one or more embodiments, to meter the amount of grease to a particular one of the process valves 310 ₁, the metering module 320 ₁ includes a grease metering device 365 such as, for example, a grease pump. In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 11 , the grease metering device 365 includes a piston 370, a power cylinder 375, and a grease cylinder 380.

The piston 370 includes a head portion 385 and a rod portion 390. The head portion 385 is slidably disposed in the power cylinder 375 and divides the power cylinder 375 into chambers 395 and 400. The rod portion 390 extends from the head portion 385 into the grease cylinder 380 so that, as the head portion 385 travels back and forth in the power cylinder 375, the rod portion 390 extends at least partially into, and retracts at least partially out of, the grease cylinder 380. The piston 370 may be displaced within the power cylinder 375 via hydraulic or pneumatic power; thus, in one or more embodiments, the power fluid stored by the fluid power source 325 is hydraulic or pneumatic. In addition, or instead, electric or gas power may be utilized to displace the piston 370.

In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 11 , a control valve 405 is operably associated with the power cylinder 375. The control valve 405 is adapted to receive the power fluid from the fluid transport device 335. To stroke the piston 370 in a direction 410, the control valve 405 is adapted to communicate power fluid from the fluid transport device 335 to the chamber 395 and, at the same time, to communicate power fluid from the chamber 400 back to the fluid power source 325. Similarly, to stroke the piston 370 in a direction 415, which is opposite the direction 410, the control valve 405 is adapted to communicate power fluid from the fluid transport device 335 to the chamber 400 and, at the same time, to communicate power fluid received from the chamber 395 back to the fluid power source 325. In addition, the pressure of the grease within the grease cylinder 380 forces the piston 370 in the direction 415. In one or more embodiments, the force exerted on the piston 370 by the grease within the grease cylinder 380 is sufficient by itself to stroke the piston 370 in the direction 415. Accordingly, to ensure that the grease cylinder 380 is filled with grease before being stroked in the direction 410, the force exerted on the piston 370 by the grease within the grease cylinder 380 may itself be relied on to stroke the piston 370 in the direction 415. In one or more embodiments, the fluid power source 325, the fluid transport device 335, the pressure sensor 340, the power cylinder 375, the control valve 405, or any combination thereof, may collectively be referred to herein as an “actuator” (i.e., hydraulic- or pneumatic-powered) for stroking the piston 370 back and forth within the grease cylinder 380. However, in addition, or instead, another “actuator” may also be used to stroke the piston 370 back and forth within the grease cylinder 380 such as, for example, an electric- or gas-powered actuator.

A cycle counter 420 is operably associated with the power cylinder 375. The cycle counter 420 may be or include limit switch(es) or other sensor(s) operably associated with the actuator to give analog or other linear position feedback. In any case, the cycle counter 420 is adapted to count the strokes of the piston 370 within the power cylinder 375. In one or more embodiments, the cycle counter 420 is capable of detecting partial strokes of the piston 370 to further enable precise greasing of the process valves 310 ₁. As a result, if so desired, the grease system 305 is capable of partially greasing the process valves 310 ₁ by allowing an operator to enter the “desired percentage” of grease required. In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 11 , the controller 180 is adapted to send control signals to the control valve 405. In addition, the controller 180 may receive valve position data from the control valve 405. The controller 180 is also adapted to receive data/readings (e.g., stroke count data) from the cycle counter 420.

A check valve 425 is operably associated with an inlet 426 of the grease cylinder 380 and is adapted to communicate grease from the fluid transport device 350 to the grease cylinder 380 while preventing, or at least reducing, any backflow of the grease through the check valve 425. As a result, when the piston 370 is stroked in the direction 415, the rod portion 390 is retracted at least partially out of the grease cylinder 380 and the check valve 425 permits grease to be drawn into the grease cylinder 380 via the inlet 426. At the same time, a check valve 430 prevents grease from being drawn into the grease cylinder 380 via an outlet 431. The check valve 430 is operably associated with the outlet 431 of the grease cylinder 380 and is adapted to communicate grease from the grease cylinder 380 to the process valves 310 ₁ while preventing, or at least reducing, any backflow of the grease through the check valve 430. As a result, when the piston 370 is stroked in the direction 410, the rod portion 390 is extended at least partially into the grease cylinder 380 and the check valve 430 permits grease to be forced out of the grease cylinder 380 via the outlet 431. At the same time, the check valve 425 prevents grease from being forced out of the grease cylinder 380 via the inlet 426. In one or more embodiments, the check valve 430 is biased to the closed position with more force (e.g., tighter springs) than that of the check valve 425 in order to maintain the pressure of the grease within the grease cylinder 380. For example, springs in the check valve 430 can be tuned to a desired cracking pressure (e.g., about 1000 psi) to determine the pressure of the grease within the grease cylinder 380.

In one or more embodiments, the grease metering device 365 is “double-acting” and includes a second grease cylinder substantially identical to the grease cylinder 380 and a second rod portion substantially identical to the rod portion 390; the second rod portion extends from the head portion 385 into the second grease cylinder so that, as the head portion 385 travels back and forth in the power cylinder 375, the second rod portion extends at least partially into, and retracts at least partially out of, the second grease cylinder.

Referring to FIG. 12 with continuing reference to FIGS. 9-11 , in one or more embodiments, the process valves 310 ₁ are adapted to be in communication with the metering module 320 ₁ via lubricator valves 435 _(1-N), respectively. In one or more embodiments, the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N) are part of the metering module 320 ₁. Similarly, the process valves 310 _(2-N) may be adapted to be in communication with the metering modules 320 _(2-N), respectively, via lubricator valve(s) substantially identical to the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N). The lubricator valves 435 _(1-N) are adapted to selectively communicate grease from the grease cylinder 380 (shown in FIG. 11 ) to respective ones of the process valves 310 ₁ (shown in FIG. 12 ). In one or more embodiments, as in FIG. 12 , the controller 180 is adapted to send control signals to the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N). In addition, the controller 180 may receive valve position data from the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N).

Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the grease metering device 365 may be omitted and replaced with flow meters that are operably associated with respective ones of the process valves 310 ₁ (and thus respective ones of the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N); in such embodiments, the controller 180 receives feedback from the flow meters and actuates the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N) to meter a desired amount of grease to the process valves 310 ₁ using the fluid transport device 350. In one or more embodiments, the grease system 305 further includes one or more pressure sensors located downstream from the check valve 430 (e.g., to monitor pressure within the process valves 310 ₁); as a result, using data/readings obtained from these one or more pressure sensors, the controller 180 can ensure that the greasing pressure is greater than the pressure within the process valves 310 ₁. Additional valves may also be added downstream from the check valve 430 to provide double barriers to prevent, or at least reduce, any leakage of process fluid from the process valve.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 9-12 , in operation, the fluid transport device 335 transports power fluid from the fluid power source 325 to the control valve 405 of the metering module 320 ₁. During the transporting of the power fluid to the control valve 405, the controller 180 communicates control signals to the fluid transport device 335 and receives data/readings from the pressure sensor 340. As a result, the controller 180 can adjust the flow of the power fluid to the control valve 405 using the fluid transport device 335 and monitor the pressure of the power fluid exiting the fluid transport device 335 using the pressure sensor 340. The control valve 405 actuates the piston 370 within the power cylinder 375. To actuate the piston 370 in the direction 410 within the power cylinder 375, the control valve 405 communicates power fluid from the 130 to the chamber 395 and, at the same time, communicates power fluid from the chamber 400 back to the fluid power source 325. Conversely, to actuate the piston 370 in the direction 415 within the power cylinder 375, the control valve 405 communicates power fluid from the fluid transport device 335 to the chamber 400 and, at the same time, communicates power fluid from the chamber 395 back to the fluid power source 325. During the actuation of the piston 370 within the power cylinder 375, the controller 180 communicates control signals to the control valve 405 and receives data/readings from the cycle counter 420. As a result, the controller 180 can stroke the piston 370 back and forth within the power cylinder 375 using the control valve 405 and count the strokes of the piston 370 back and forth within the power cylinder 375 using the cycle counter 420. In other embodiments, in addition, or instead, electric or gas power may be utilized to actuate the piston 370.

The fluid transport device 350 transports grease from the grease container 330 to the inlet 426 of the grease cylinder 380. During the transporting of the grease to the grease cylinder 380, the controller 180 communicates control signals to the fluid transport device 350 and receives data/readings from the pressure sensor 355. As a result, the controller 180 can adjust the flow of the grease to the grease cylinder 380 using the fluid transport device 350 and monitor the pressure of the grease exiting the fluid transport device 350 using the pressure sensor 355. As the piston 370 is actuated in the direction 415, the grease is drawn into the grease cylinder 380 through the inlet 426. The transporting of the grease to the grease cylinder 380 using the fluid transport device 350 allows the grease to be more efficiently and completely drawn into the grease cylinder 380 through the inlet 426 as the piston 370 is actuated in the direction 415. Conversely, as the piston 370 is actuated in the direction 410, the grease is forced out of the grease cylinder 380 through the outlet 431. The lubricator valves 435 _(1-N) selectively communicate the grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380 to respective ones of the process valves 310 ₁. In addition, the return valve 360 selectively communicates the grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380 back to the grease container 330.

The controller 180 communicates control signals to the return valve 360 and the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N). As a result, the controller 180 can selectively actuate the return valve 360 and the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N) to determine: whether the grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380 is communicated back to the grease container 330; and/or which of the process valves 310 ₁ receives the grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380. For example, if the controller 180 closes the return valve 360, opens one of the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N), and closes the remaining lubricator valves 435 _(1-N), the grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380 will be communicated to the process valve 310 ₁ that is operably associated with the opened one of the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N). For another example, if the controller 180 opens the return valve 360 and closes the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N), the grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380 will be communicated back to the grease container 330. Alternatively, the return valve 360 could bypass the grease cylinder 380 by communicating grease back to the grease container 330 before the grease passes through the check valve 425.

The volume of grease forced out of the grease cylinder 380 with each stroke of the piston 370 can be determined via measurement or calculation (e.g., by multiplying the cross-sectional area of the rod portion 390 by the length of the piston 370's stroke); as a result, by controlling and/or monitoring the control valve 405, the cycle counter 420, the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N), the return valve 360, or any combination thereof, the controller 180 meters a desired amount of grease to each of the process valves 310 ₁. In one or more embodiments, the desired amount of grease metered to each of the process valves 310 ₁ can be specifically tailored according to greasing volume and/or frequency guidelines provided, for example, by the manufacturer(s) of the process valves 310 ₁ and stored in a database accessible by the controller 180. In addition, or instead, the desired amount of grease metered to each of the process valves 310 ₁ may be provided by a user via a user interface (HMI) connected to the controller 180; if so desired, the amount of grease metered to each of the process valves 310 ₁ can be changed during a job. In addition, by controlling and/or monitoring the fluid transport devices 335 and 350 and the pressure sensors 340 and 355, the controller 180 regulates the flow of the power fluid and the grease within the grease system 305.

In one or more embodiments, the controller 180 is further adapted to receive data/readings from a pressure sensor 436 (shown in FIG. 11 ) that detects the pressure of the grease within the grease cylinder 380; by comparing the data/reading obtained from the pressure sensor 436 with data/readings obtained from the pressure sensor 355, the controller 180 can determine whether the grease cylinder 380 is filled with grease after the piston 370 is stroked in the direction 415. As a result, the controller 180 can delay stroking the piston in the direction 410 until the grease cylinder 380 is completely filled with grease, thus improving the accuracy of greasing operations. In one or more embodiments, the controller 180 controls the metering modules 320 _(2-N) to deliver and meter grease to the process valves 310 _(2-N) in substantially the same manner as that described above with respect to the metering module 320 ₁ and the process valves 310 ₁; therefore, the operation of the metering modules 320 _(2-N) to deliver and meter grease to the process valves 310 _(2-N) will not be described in further detail. As a result, the controller 180 is capable of greasing the process valves 310 _(1-N) at any of the following intervals: timed intervals; continuous greasing (at a rate specified by the user or the database); greasing on command from an operator via a user interface (HMI) at any time; per operational stage (e.g., fracturing stage); per N stages; scheduled greasing; scheduled partial greasing; and/or any combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, prior to delivering and metering grease to the process valves 310 _(1-N), the grease system 305 is capable of verifying that the process valves 310 _(1-N) are actuated to the proper position for greasing. To achieve such verification, the grease system 305 includes sensor(s) (e.g., the position sensors 205 ₁ and 225 ₁ shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) associated with the process valves 310 _(1-N) to ensure they are in the proper position prior to greasing. Such sensor(s) may include, for example, position sensor(s) and/or visual feedback devices (e.g., camera(s), image processing software, etc.) capable of detecting the position of the process valves 310 _(1-N). In addition, the grease system 305 may include actuator(s) adapted to receive control signals from the controller 180 to open or close the process valves 310 _(1-N). As a result, the controller 180 is able to automatically place the process valves 310 _(1-N) in the proper greasing position prior to greasing.

Referring to FIG. 13 , in one or more embodiments, a method of operating the grease system 305 is generally referred to by the reference numeral 440. The method 440 is carried out by receiving, at the controller 180, data/readings from the delivery module 315 (e.g., the pressure sensors 340 and 355) and/or the metering modules 320 _(1-N) (e.g., the cycle counter 420), and sending, from the controller 180, control signals to the delivery module 315 (e.g., the fluid transport devices 335 and 350, the return valve 360, or any combination thereof) and/or the metering modules 320 _(1-N)(e.g., the control valve 405, the lubricator valves 435 _(1-N), or any combination thereof).

The method 440 includes at a step 445 delivering grease to a first one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N). In one or more embodiments, the step 445 includes transporting the grease from the grease container 330 to the first one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N). At a step 450, the controller 180 controls the actuator of the first one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N) so that a first amount of the delivered grease is metered to a first one of the process valves 310 _(1-N). In one or more embodiments, the step 450 includes: controlling the actuator of the first one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N) to start stroking the piston 370; determining how many strokes of the piston 370 are required to meter the first amount to the first one of the process valves 310 _(1-N); and controlling the actuator to stop stroking the piston 370 when the strokes counted by the cycle counter 420 equal the determined number of strokes required. In one or more embodiments of the step 450, the controller 180 determines the first amount by retrieving data relating to the first one of the process valves 310 _(1-N) from a database.

At a step 455, grease is delivered to a second one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N). In one or more embodiments, the step 455 includes transporting the grease from the grease container 330 to the second one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N). At a step 260, the controller 180 controls the actuator of the second one of the metering modules 320 _(1-N) so that a second amount of the delivered grease is metered to a second one of the process valves 310 _(1-N). In one or more embodiments of the step 260, the controller 180 determines the second amount by retrieving data relating to the second one of the process valves 310 _(1-N) from a database.

In one or more embodiments, among other things, the operation of the grease system 305 and/or the execution of the method 440: ensures that an appropriate amount of grease is injected into each of the process valves 310 _(1-N) while monitoring the amount of grease injected into each of the process valves 310 _(1-N); improves the flushing of debris and contaminants from the process valves 310 _(1-N); improves the performance of the process valves 310 _(1-N); decreases the risk that a less than adequate amount of grease is injected into the process valves 310 _(1-N); decreases the risk of malfunction and maintenance needs for the process valves 310 _(1-N); and/or reduces operators' exposure to oil and gas process units during operation.

Referring to FIG. 14 , with continuing reference to FIGS. 1-13 , in one or more embodiments, a computing node 1000 for implementing one or more embodiments of one or more of the above-described elements, systems, apparatus, controllers, methods, and/or steps, or any combination thereof, is depicted. The node 1000 includes a microprocessor 1000 a, an input device 1000 b, a storage device 1000 c, a video controller 1000 d, a system memory 1000 e, a display 1000 f, and a communication device 1000 g all interconnected by one or more buses 1000 h. In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor 1000 a is, includes, or is part of, the controller 180 and/or the one or more other controllers described herein. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 1000 c may include a floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, optical drive, any other form of storage device or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 1000 c may include, and/or be capable of receiving, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable medium that may contain executable instructions. In one or more embodiments, the communication device 1000 g may include a modem, network card, or any other device to enable the node 1000 to communicate with other nodes. In one or more embodiments, any node represents a plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet or Internet) computer systems, including without limitation, personal computers, mainframes, PDAs, smartphones and cell phones.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components of any of the above-described systems include at least the node 1000 and/or components thereof, and/or one or more nodes that are substantially similar to the node 1000 and/or components thereof. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the above-described components of the node 1000 and/or the above-described systems include respective pluralities of same components.

In one or more embodiments, a computer system typically includes at least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In one or more embodiments, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.

In one or more embodiments, hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). In one or more embodiments, hardware may include any physical device that is capable of storing machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. In one or more embodiments, other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example.

In one or more embodiments, software includes any machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, for example). In one or more embodiments, software may include source or object code. In one or more embodiments, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of being executed on a node such as, for example, on a client machine or server.

In one or more embodiments, combinations of software and hardware could also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performance for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, software functions may be directly manufactured into a silicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood that combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a computer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

In one or more embodiments, computer readable mediums include, for example, passive data storage, such as a random-access memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine. In one or more embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, data structure may provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code.

In one or more embodiments, any networks and/or one or more portions thereof, may be designed to work on any specific architecture. In one or more embodiments, one or more portions of any networks may be executed on a single computer, local area networks, client-server networks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held and other portable and wireless devices and networks.

In one or more embodiments, database may be any standard or proprietary database software. In one or more embodiments, the database may have fields, records, data, and other database elements that may be associated through database specific software. In one or more embodiments, data may be mapped. In one or more embodiments, mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another data entry. In one or more embodiments, the data contained in the location of a character file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In one or more embodiments, the physical location of the database is not limiting, and the database may be distributed. In one or more embodiments, the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a separate platform. In one or more embodiments, the database may be accessible across the Internet. In one or more embodiments, more than one database may be implemented.

In one or more embodiments, a plurality of instructions stored on a computer readable medium may be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to carry out or implement in whole or in part the above-described operation of each of the above-described elements, systems, apparatus, controllers, methods, and/or steps, or any combination thereof. In one or more embodiments, such a processor may include one or more of the microprocessor 1000 a, the controller 180, the one or more other controllers described herein, any processor(s) that are part of the components of the above-described systems, and/or any combination thereof, and such a computer readable medium may be distributed among one or more components of the above-described systems. In one or more embodiments, such a processor may execute the plurality of instructions in connection with a virtual computer system. In one or more embodiments, such a plurality of instructions may communicate directly with the one or more processors, and/or may interact with one or more operating systems, middleware, firmware, other applications, and/or any combination thereof, to cause the one or more processors to execute the instructions.

A method has been disclosed. The method generally includes opening, or keeping open, a first valve, the first valve being part of a wellhead, the wellhead including a flow component above the first valve; wherein the method further includes: (i) detecting a state of the first valve, the state being open, partially-open, or closed; and in response to detecting the state of the first valve, metering an amount of grease to the first valve; and/or (ii) opening, or keeping open, a second valve, the second valve being operably coupled to the wellhead and positioned above the flow component; and after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves: detecting whether the second valve is open or closed; in response to detecting that the second valve is open, preventing the first valve from being closed; and in response to detecting that the second valve is closed, allowing the first valve to be closed. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps recited in each of romanettes (i) and (ii). In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps recited in romanette (i). In one or more embodiments, metering the amount of grease to the first valve includes: delivering grease from a delivery module to a metering module; and metering the amount of grease from the metering module to the first valve. In one or more embodiments, opening, or keeping open, the first valve includes opening the first valve; and wherein opening the first valve includes: determining if a difference between inlet and outlet pressures of the first valve is below a threshold; if said difference is not below the threshold, opening an equalization valve to decrease the difference until said difference is below the threshold; and if said difference is below the threshold, opening the first valve. In one or more embodiments, the method includes the steps recited in romanette (ii). In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves: closing the first valve; and opening a third valve, the third valve being operably coupled to the flow component of the wellhead. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes, after both closing the first valve and opening the third valve, pumping fracturing fluid into the wellbore through each of the third valve, the flow component, and the first valve, the flow component including a frac tree. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes, after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves, deploying a downhole tool on a conveyance string through each of the first and second valves and into a wellbore operably associated with the wellhead; wherein the step of preventing the first valve from being closed in response to detecting that the second valve is open prevents the first valve from damaging the conveyance string when the downhole tool is deployed on the conveyance string through each of the first and second valves and into the wellbore. In one or more embodiments, the downhole tool includes a plug and perforating guns. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes, after deploying the downhole tool on the conveyance string through each of the first and second valves and into the wellbore, retrieving the conveyance string and at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore and through each of the first and second valves; wherein the step of allowing the first valve to be closed in response to detecting that the second valve is closed allows the first valve to be closed after the at least a portion of the downhole tool is retrieved from the wellbore and through each of the first and second valves. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes, before opening, or keeping open, the first valve, attaching a lubricator in which the downhole tool extends to a latch operably coupled to the wellhead and positioned above the first valve; wherein deploying the downhole tool includes, after attaching the lubricator to the latch, deploying the downhole tool on the conveyance string from the lubricator, through the first and second valves, and into the wellbore. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: after deploying the downhole tool on the conveyance string through each of the first and second valves and into the wellbore, retrieving the conveyance string and at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore and through each of the first and second valves; and after retrieving the conveyance string and the at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore and through each of the first and second valves: closing the second valve; and detaching the lubricator from the latch. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes, after detaching the lubricator from the latch, launching, from an object launcher operably associated with the wellhead and located above the first valve, an object through each of the first and second valves and into the wellbore.

An apparatus has also been disclosed. The apparatus generally includes: a non-transitory computer readable medium; and a plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium and executable by one or more processors, wherein, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following steps are executed: opening, or keeping open, a first valve, the first valve being part of a wellhead, the wellhead including a flow component above the first valve; wherein, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following steps are also executed: (i) detecting a state of the first valve, the state being open, partially-open, or closed; and in response to detecting the state of the first valve, metering an amount of grease to the first valve; and/or (ii) opening, or keeping open, a second valve, the second valve being operably coupled to the wellhead and positioned above the flow component; and after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves: detecting whether the second valve is open or closed; in response to detecting that the second valve is open, preventing the first valve from being closed; and in response to detecting that the second valve is closed, allowing the first valve to be closed. In one or more embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the steps recited in each of romanettes (i) and (ii) are executed. In one or more embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the steps recited in romanette (i) are executed. In one or more embodiments, metering the amount of grease to the first valve includes: delivering grease from a delivery module to a metering module; and metering the amount of grease from the metering module to the first valve. In one or more embodiments, opening, or keeping open, the first valve includes opening the first valve; and opening the first valve includes: determining if a difference between inlet and outlet pressures of the first valve is below a threshold; if said difference is not below the threshold, opening an equalization valve to decrease the difference until said difference is below the threshold; and if said difference is below the threshold, opening the first valve. In one or more embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the steps recited in romanette (ii) are executed. In one or more embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following steps are also executed: after opening, or keeping open, each of the first and second valves: closing the first valve; and opening a third valve, the third valve being operably coupled to the flow component of the wellhead. In one or more embodiments, when the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the following step is also executed: before opening the third valve, launching, from an object launcher operably associated with the wellhead and located above the second valve, an object through each of the first and second valves and into the wellbore.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments.

Any spatial references, such as, for example, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “angular,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “side-to-side,” “left-to-right,” “right-to-left,” “top-to-bottom,” “bottom-to-top,” “top,” “bottom,” “bottom-up,” “top-down,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

In one or more embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In one or more embodiments, the steps, processes, and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.

In one or more embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are illustrative only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Moreover, it is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the word “means” together with an associated function. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: attaching a lubricator to a latch, the latch being operably coupled to a housing, the housing defining a containment area, and the housing being operably coupled to a wellhead, opposite a wellbore; after attaching the lubricator to the latch, increasing a fluid pressure in the containment area towards a fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate: deployment of a downhole tool contained in the lubricator through the wellhead and into the wellbore; and retrieval of at least a portion of the downhole tool through the wellhead and back into the lubricator; deploying, on a conveyance string, the downhole tool from the lubricator, through the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; retrieving, on the conveyance string, the at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore, through the wellhead, through the containment area, and into the lubricator; and decreasing the fluid pressure in the containment area towards atmospheric pressure to facilitate detachment of the lubricator from the latch; detaching the lubricator from the latch; after detaching the lubricator from the latch, receiving a well drop at atmospheric pressure into the containment area; isolating the containment area from atmosphere; and increasing, via a first conduit in fluid communication with the containment area, the fluid pressure in the containment area towards the fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate passage of the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; and passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore comprises opening a valve in fluid communication with the containment area.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards atmospheric pressure via a second conduit in fluid communication with the containment area.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards atmospheric pressure via the first conduit.
 5. An apparatus, comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium; and a plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium and executable by one or more processors to implement the following steps: attaching a lubricator to a latch, the latch being operably coupled to a housing, the housing defining a containment area, and the housing being operably coupled to a wellhead, opposite a wellbore; after attaching the lubricator to the latch, increasing a fluid pressure in the containment area towards a fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate: deployment of a downhole tool contained in the lubricator through the wellhead and into the wellbore; and retrieval of at least a portion of the downhole tool through the wellhead and back into the lubricator; deploying, on a conveyance string, the downhole tool from the lubricator, through the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; retrieving, on the conveyance string, the at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore, through the wellhead, through the containment area, and into the lubricator; and decreasing the fluid pressure in the containment area towards atmospheric pressure to facilitate detachment of the lubricator from the latch; detaching the lubricator from the latch; after detaching the lubricator from the latch, receiving a well drop at atmospheric pressure into the containment area; isolating the containment area from atmosphere; and increasing, via a first conduit in fluid communication with the containment area, the fluid pressure in the containment area towards the fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate passage of the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; and passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore comprises opening a valve in fluid communication with the containment area.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards atmospheric pressure via a second conduit in fluid communication with the containment area.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards atmospheric pressure via the first conduit.
 9. A method, comprising: attaching a lubricator to a latch, the latch being operably coupled to a housing, the housing defining a containment area, and the housing being operably coupled to a wellhead, opposite a wellbore; detaching the lubricator from the latch; after detaching the lubricator from the latch, receiving a well drop at atmospheric pressure into the containment area; isolating the containment area from atmosphere; and increasing, via a first conduit in fluid communication with the containment area, the fluid pressure in the containment area towards the fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate passage of the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore and after attaching the lubricator to the latch and before detaching the lubricator from the latch, decreasing the fluid pressure in the containment area towards atmospheric pressure to facilitate detachment of the lubricator from the latch.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore comprises opening a valve in fluid communication with the containment area.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards the atmospheric pressure via a second conduit in fluid communication with the containment area.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards the atmospheric pressure via the first conduit.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: after attaching the lubricator to the latch and before decreasing the fluid pressure in the containment area towards atmospheric pressure, increasing a fluid pressure in the containment area towards a fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate: deployment of a downhole tool contained in the lubricator through the wellhead and into the wellbore; and retrieval of at least a portion of the downhole tool through the wellhead and back into the lubricator.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: deploying, on a conveyance string, the downhole tool from the lubricator, through the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; and retrieving, on the conveyance string, the at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore, through the wellhead, through the containment area, and into the lubricator.
 16. An apparatus, comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium; and a plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium and executable by one or more processors to implement the following steps: attaching a lubricator to a latch, the latch being operably coupled to a housing, the housing defining a containment area, and the housing being operably coupled to a wellhead, opposite a wellbore; detaching the lubricator from the latch; after detaching the lubricator from the latch, receiving a well drop at atmospheric pressure into the containment area; isolating the containment area from atmosphere; and increasing, via a first conduit in fluid communication with the containment area, the fluid pressure in the containment area towards the fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate passage of the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; and after attaching the lubricator to the latch and before detaching the lubricator from the latch, decreasing the fluid pressure in the containment area towards atmospheric pressure to facilitate detachment of the lubricator from the latch.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium are executable by the one or more processors to implement the following additional step: passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein passing the well drop from the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore comprises opening a valve in fluid communication with the containment area.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards atmospheric pressure via a second conduit in fluid communication with the containment area.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fluid pressure in the containment area is decreased towards atmospheric pressure via the first conduit.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium are executable by the one or more processors to implement the following additional step: after attaching the lubricator to the latch and before decreasing the fluid pressure in the containment area towards atmospheric pressure, increasing a fluid pressure in the containment area towards a fluid pressure in the wellhead to facilitate: deployment of a downhole tool contained in the lubricator through the wellhead and into the wellbore; and retrieval of at least a portion of the downhole tool through the wellhead and back into the lubricator.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the plurality of instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium are executable by the one or more processors to implement the following additional steps: deploying, on a conveyance string, the downhole tool from the lubricator, through the containment area, through the wellhead, and into the wellbore; and retrieving, on the conveyance string, the at least a portion of the downhole tool from the wellbore, through the wellhead, through the containment area, and into the lubricator. 